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Pope Francis consoles a boy who asked if his non-believing father is in Heaven

Those participating in the pope's encounter with children from the parish of St. Paul of the Cross in Corviale were undoubtedly moved.

One of the children appeared embarrassed and afraid to ask the pope his question. However, shortly after,many understood it was because his question was very difficult to answer, "My father has been gone for a short time. He was an atheist, but he baptized his four children. He was a good man. Is Dad in Heaven?"

Seeing the young boy was unable to ask his question, the pope told him to whisper it in his ear. After a few moments of speaking with the child, Pope Francis asked him if he could reveal his question and he said yes.

"If only we could cry like Emanuele when we have pain in our hearts. He cries for his father who died, and had the courage to do so before us because there is love in his heart for his dad.

I asked Emanuele permission to reveal his question to the public and he said 'yes.' "My father died a short time ago. He was an atheist, but he baptized his four children. He was a good man. Is dad in Heaven?"

It's nice that a son says that about his father, that he "was good." If that man was able to raise his children like that, then he was a good man. God is proud of your father." Do you think that God would be able to leave a man like him far from Him? Do you think that? Louder, with courage."

No!

Pope Francis:

Does God abandon His children?

No!

Pope Francis:

Does God abandon His children when they are good?

No!

Pope Francis:

Here, Emanuele, this is the answer. God surely was proud of your father, because it is easier when one is a believer to baptize his children, than to baptize them when you are an unbeliever. Surely God like this so much. Talk to your dad, pray for your dad. Thanks Emanuele for your courage.